- Blitz the tomatoes, chillies, garlic, spring onions, coriander and garam masala in a blender into a spicy a sauce.

- In a large pan, add the lentils, chilli sauce from the blender, vegetable stock cube, mushrooms, kidney beans and tomato puree. Stir and then simmer for 30 minutes, continuing to stir occasionally. Season to taste.

Walking Tacos

- With scissors, carefully cut the top of the pack and roll the sides back slightly.

- Ladle in the lentil chilli (and top with optional cheese, jalapeños etc)

- Wrap the pack in a napkin (foil can get hot!) - and away you go

Where the savings are...I've found a few ways to help make this recipe as cheap as it can be...

First up (and most obviously) using lentils instead of mince makes the chilli a cheaper meal... although if you are a massive carnivore, I'm not standing in your way. Use 400g of mince and use a beef stock cube instead of the veggie one.

Where possible, I also buy produce individually rather than in a pack: the mushrooms being the main one here. Eight individual 'shrooms cost slightly less than a pre-sealed tray.

If items can't be bought individually, I make the most out of the excess. Spring onions and coriander can be reused in tasty salads.

Buying in bulk can also help make savings over time. I got a 500g bag of lentils for £1, which will make another meal. But if you really want to be adventurous, a 2kg bag is £3 and will last for many more future stews, soups, curries and chilli dishes.

What next?Like all ‘homemade’ recipes, this chilli is a work in progress. If you cook it - and have any ideas to make it extra tasty, let me know!

AND If you have any other recipe ideas - or tips on cooking delicious food on the cheap - drop me a line!